Lots of radio speculation and talk today about the possibility of Phil Jackson as the next general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers. It was set off by Jackson withdrawing from the Orlando Magic executive search, citing "another opportunity."

Just talk now. So let's talk.

Nothing substantial to report. The Blazers have indicated to The Oregonian's Jason Quick that president Larry Miller won't be making public comment until the GM search is over. Quick was onto this Jackson thing very early and is tracking it.

I wrote a column breaking it down. DiLeo, I'm told, came late to this process and may have been a surprise to even some of those on the hiring committee.

That feels like vanilla, and vanilla bean... I'm convinced that the longer this drags out the better chance that Chad Buchanan has of landing the job. I called some scouts who are in Minnesota this week for the pre-draft festivities and they tell me the Blazers search is all the buzz. As in, "Do they know what they're doing here?!?!"

Fact: Allen is definitely a "shiny new-object guy" according to those who work closely with him. Pete Carroll... Mike Holmgren.... but Phil Jackson?

While we're waiting for this to settle itself... how does Jackson strike you?